2017 Volkswagen Touareg

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, off-road capability, and upscale interior. The sole engine option available for the 2017 model year in the United States was a 3.6-liter VR6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Touareg’s smooth ride, spacious cabin, and premium features. Common criticisms include its higher price point compared to competitors and slightly dated infotainment system.

Engine

3.6L VR6

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various locations, including the water pump, thermostat housing, and coolant hoses. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking component is the typical fix. This can involve replacing the water pump, thermostat housing, or specific coolant hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location of the leak and the shop rates.
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and a check engine light can indicate ignition coil failure.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coil. It is recommended to replace all ignition coils at the same time to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the number of coils replaced.

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly during upshifts or downshifts. Hesitation can also occur when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and adaptation reset can resolve the issue. However, more severe cases may require valve body repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300+ for a fluid flush and reset, $1000 - $3000+ for valve body work.

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Models equipped with air suspension can experience issues such as sagging, uneven ride height, or failure to adjust properly. This can be caused by leaks in the air struts or issues with the air compressor.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts or repairing/replacing the air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor.

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can exhibit glitches such as freezing, slow response times, or Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some of these issues. However, in some cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for software updates, $500 - $2000+ for unit replacement.
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining prematurely, especially if the vehicle is left unused for extended periods.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing parasitic drains. Common sources include faulty modules or aftermarket accessories. Replacing the battery may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for diagnostic and repair, $200+ for a new battery.

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have complained about the sunroof getting stuck, making strange noises, or leaking water into the interior.
  • Solution: Repairing the sunroof mechanism, replacing the sunroof seal, or in extreme cases, replacing the entire sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg generally presents with a mix of minor and potentially more costly issues. Engine and transmission problems, while not widespread, can lead to expensive repairs. Electrical glitches are more common and can be frustrating. Air suspension issues, if present, also represent a significant repair cost. While the Touareg offers a comfortable and capable driving experience, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision and maintenance budget.